Old Blog

Hello there! If you've found your  way here through the CBS Evening News piece, please visit my new website paintingsbypeterjdamon.com You can also visit me at our brick and mortar art gallery, True Grit Art Gallery, 38 Center St in Middleboro, MA. You may want to call first to see if I'm in- 774-419-4160. Thanks for visiting my old blog!

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

"A Carol for the Fallen"  8"x 10" oil on canvasboard $350 *SOLD*

To purchase this painting, email me at truegritartgallery@gmail.com or call

774-419-4160 Tuesdays thru Saturdays, 10am- 5pm

More paintings by me are available through my 'brick and mortar' business, 'True Grit Art Gallery', at truegritartgallery.com

It's been a while since I've painted anything new. The stress and hectic undertaking of opening a new business has kept me away from my easel these past few months. In these times, inspiration is often far off and elusive as my mind is preoccupied with other things. This past weekend however, I happened to catch a news story on television which spotlighted the efforts of thousands of volunteers and charitable patriots who had endeavored to decorate the headstones of our nation's fallen heroes at several National Cemeteries across the country. The task was headed up by 'Wreaths Across America', which every year gathers hundreds of thousands of donated Christmas wreaths from benefactors from all over the nation and world. Seeing this display of goodwill warmed my heart and was indeed the sorely needed spark to ignite that burning flame of inspiration deep in my soul. Perhaps I can use this image as next year's Christmas card design. 

Some Current Offerings

Top: "Fishing Vessels (South Boston)" 12"x 16" oil on canvasboard $500 *SOLD*

Bottom: "Morning Greys" 9"x 12" oil on canvasboard $400 *SOLD*

 To purchase either painting, email me at truegritartgallery@gmail.com or call

774-419-4160 Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm

"Checking the Traps (Off Gloucester)" 6"x 12" oil on gallery-wrap canvas $400 *SOLD*

To purchase painting, email me at truegritartgallery@gmail.com or call

774-419-4160 Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm

So as you know, I've been offline for awhile. The reason being is that I've had to come up with a sizable inventory to display in my wife and I's new 'brick and mortar' art gallery called, True Grit Art Gallery, located in the center of our hometown of Middleboro, MA. I've got roughly 14 of my own paintings hung as well as paintings, photography, and pottery from over 16 local, New England, artists. A couple of my fellow artists here are veterans as well. In any case, True Grit Art Gallery is a Veteran Owned business and it would do you well to shop there, LOL! But seriously, I've greatly appreciated all the business my patrons have given me over the past years and I want you to know you're helping this disabled vet to live his dream as an artist.

Our gallery Grand Opening was a big success. About 200 turned out to attend through the night. If you're ever in town, please stop by to visit us. We're located at 38 Center St, Middleboro, MA, 02346, 774-419-4160, www.truegritartgallery.com 

Grand Opening Reception at True Grit Art Gallery 11-20-15

True Grit Art Gallery, 38 Center St, Middleboro, MA, 0234

Online Again

Artist and Disabled Veteran, Pete Damon at 

True Grit Art Gallery in Middleboro, MA

Okay, so maybe I haven't been the best blogger; but I've been busy doing other things! My wife and I have recently opened a fine art gallery in our hometown of Middleboro, MA. True Grit Art Gallery is now open Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10am- 5pm at 38 Center St, Middleboro, MA 02346. You can view and purchase my work as well as the works of over 15 other New England artists. Our Grand Opening Reception is Friday, November 20th from 7pm-10pm. If you can't make it to our physical location, check us out on Facbook at  https://www.facebook.com/True-Grit-Art-Gallery-1564873107104564/?ref=hl or visit our website - www.truegritartgallery.com . You can also follow us on Twitter,  https://twitter.com/TGArtGallery

Summer's End

"Best Buds" 8x8 oil on board $300 *SOLD*

All paintings are framed with 3" wide "plein air " style gold frames and ready to hang.

To purchase painting, email me at truegritartgallery@gmail.com or call

774-419-4160 Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm

                 As the summer is officially coming to an end, I'm reminded of the promise I made back in June to get more work done and posted on this blog. As always, I make promises I can't keep. The simple fact is that as a double amputee, there are a myriad of complications and intervening circumstances that always seem to hold me back from attaining the goals I set for myself. However, I realize that I must "drive on" and continue to strive for achievement, less I become stagnant and morose. I'm happy to report to you that it's not all glum though. I've managed to salvage a couple paintings from my otherwise impotent summer of inactivity.

               The first, I've posted above and depicts two boys enjoying their day at the beach. Many of us can recall happy memories of idyllic summer days like this which adorn the halls of our minds-eye like magnificent paintings in a regal gallery. They construct a foundation of remembrances on which will help bear the weight of life experience .  

Back Again

"River Traffic" oil on canvas 48"x 24" $1500  *SOLD*

To purchase  painting, email me at truegritartgallery@gmail.com or call

774-419-4160 Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm

       It's been a while since I've posted anything new on this blog. I guess I've just been busy with some side painting projects. That's no excuse though. I need to keep producing new work if I ever want to make it as a serious artist. That's why I'm making a commitment to get at least 2 posts a month on this blog for the remainder of the year. And hopefully, I'll be able to increase that output next year. I'll count on you to keep me to my commitment. If I start to slack again, email me and tell me to get it together. 

       This painting depicts a busy day on the Savannah River. Rather than painting pleasure craft in my seascapes, I'm more drawn to the working class vessels. There's a noble integrity about them that always captures the imagination for me. This rather large painting kept me busy for most of the month of May. Before that, I did the piece below for the Military Officers Association of America. They wanted a painting for their "Community Heroes" awards, which celebrates caregivers of wounded veterans. The theme was 'triumph over tragedy'.

                               

                                                                              

"Perseverance" 40"x36" oil on canvas NFS

   I have some good quality prints of this painting. Email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com for more info. 

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10% discount for

        

REACHING OUT TO THE WOUNDED OF BOSTON

                                                   

        Witnessing the horror unfold on the television screen on Monday shook me to the core, as I'm sure it did all Americans. The emotions I felt ranged from shock to sadness and anger. The same feelings I had when I was fresh out of basic and AIT training on September 11, 2001. In those days everyone felt a sense of duty unparalleled in American history since WWII. Perhaps it seemed even more personal because this time the attacks had hit home here in the Boston area. Even though my days of military service are over, there remains a great sense of duty and a compelling urge to reach out to those immediately affected by the attacks. I couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with some of the victims of that horrific event. I offered the following words of support on my Facebook page:
     
         "As a veteran, double amputee, and fellow Massachusetts resident, I'd like to offer my condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of yesterday's attack. I'd also like to offer words of comfort and support to those whose lives were forever changed yesterday by traumatic loss of limbs. Although it's undeniably tragic , you will recover. And you must have hope that this terrible trauma will in no way stop you from living a full and productive life. In fact, this will be a defining moment in your life. In the coming days, weeks, and months, you will find a strength and resilience you never knew you had. Take solace in the fact that we, in the veteran community are recovering with you. Look to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who have lost limbs for support and inspiration."

            In the days and weeks after suffering traumatic limb loss while serving in Iraq in the fall of 2003, I was unsure of what the future held for me. Up until that time I had been working as an electrician and then as a military aircraft mechanic. Suddenly, at 31, after a lifetime of working with my hands since the age of 16,  I found myself a double amputee . The occupational therapists at Walter Reed Army Medical Center sensed this in me and would try and show me examples of other people who had sustained similar injuries who were now doing amazing things. One video they showed  me was of a middle aged Vietnam Veteran and double arm amputee named Jerry Miserandino who was rock climbing with his 2 prosthetic arms. That video really did a lot to spark a flame of hope deep in my soul. Meeting him later, and observing  his tough, no nonsense,take-on-the-world attitude would do even more to fan those flames of hope inside me, which would later turn into a raging inferno of passion to overcome limitations and pursue a dream of becoming an accomplished artist. I want those victims of Boston to feel that same spark of hope which was such an inspiration to me in my earliest days of recovery.

Merry Christmas 2012

"Divine Illumination" 6x8 oil on canvasboard in gold plein air style frame  $250 *SOLD*

To purchase painting, email me at truegritartgallery@gmail.com or call

774-419-4160 Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm

       Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I would especially like to wish those in the military who may be serving overseas, far from home, warm Holiday greetings. Also to those who may be recovering in military hospitals this Christmas, Thank You for your service and sacrifice. May you all return home soon and receive the warm welcome and undying gratitude, so selflessly deserved.   

Subscribe Via Email

  I've finally installed a way to get automatic updates to Sgt Damon's Art via email (it's about time, huh?). This is a test post to see if it works. If you'd like to subscribe, enter your email address in the box at the top of the right hand column. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and you're enjoying the weekend.

The Return of "Full Moon Return"

"Full Moon Return" 24"x 36" oil on canvas w/ 3" wide gold frame

$1,600 SOLD

10% discount for military, veterans, millitary families and first responders

            Last February, I had entered the painting above into the "National Veterans Creative Arts Festival". I got a lot of positive feedback and inquiries on this blog when I first posted it back then. At the time, I couldn't accurately price the painting because I had no idea if it would win anything and I also wasn't able to tell when it would be returned to me. The painting won "Best in Show" in the local stage of judging at the Brockton VA Facility (Brockton,MA)  but did not place nationally. After the painting was returned to me, I went on to enter it in the "Pembroke Arts Festival" this summer where it received very positive reviews. It now hangs on the wall of my home where it sits and awaits the news of it's purchase. And to go to a new home and be admired by someone for years to come. 

For purchasing  info : Email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

                Please Help Share my blog on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons in the Upper Right Hand Column!

10% discount for

New Article: The Victorious Saga of an American Painter

Craig Terlino- Boston Journalist

                A great writer and former schoolmate of mine from Brockton,MA, Craig Terlino wrote a great article about me on his blog- " The Good American Collective"- for Veterans Day. Check it out, then read my Vet's Day post below.  http://thegoodamericancollective.blogspot.com/2012/11/sgt-peter-damon_10.html

Happy Veterans' Day 2012!

                                             
                             "Bagpipers On Parade" 6"x8" oil on canvasboard
                                                              $200 SOLD

            This weekend there will be Veterans Day parades in both large cities and small towns across the country. The parades are a long standing tradition dating back to 1947 when the very first Veterans Day celebration was officially held in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally, November 11th was known as Armistice Day, named after the 1918 Armistice that ended WWI. In 1945 a WWII veteran from Birmingham named Raymond Weeks had an idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in WWI. Weeks was supported by Gen. Eisenhower, who advocated a national veterans' holiday. Weeks led what is generally regarded as the first Veterans Day celebration in 1947, but Armistice Day wasn't officially changed to Veterans Day until 1954 when then President  Eisenhower signed a bill into law recognizing the change.
           In almost every ceremony or parade honoring veterans I've been to, bagpipers seem to always make an appearance. The mournful wail of the bagpipe is something that has become familiar with events honoring those who serve our country. While searching through reference material to find subject matter befitting a Veterans Day themed painting I came across these colorfully uniformed harbingers of solemn dignity marching in unison to their somber music. I thought they made for good subjects to paint.
            I want to wish All veterans a happy Veterans Day. And if your not a veteran, please take the time to let those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom know how much you appreciate them.

                             The City's Oldest Known Survivor of The Great War
                                                       by James Doyle

                             Marches in uniform down the traffic stripe
                             at the center of the street, counts time
                             to the unseen web that has rearranged
                             the air around him, his left hand
                             stiff as a leather strap along his side,
                             the other saluting right through the decades
                             as if they weren't there, as if everyone under ninety
                             were pervasive fog the morning would dispel
                             in it's own good time, as if the high school band
                             all flapping thighs and cuffs behind him
                             were as ghostly as the tumbleweed on every road
                             dead-ended in the present, all the ancient infantry
                             shoulder right, through a skein of bone, presenting arms
                             across the drift, nothing but empty graves now
                             to round off another century,
                             the sweet honey of the old cadence, the streets
                             going by at attention, the banners glistening with  dew,
                             the wives and children blowing kisses.

For purchasing  info : Email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

                Please Help Share my blog on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons in the Upper Right Hand Column!

 

New Painting

"Moonlight on the Bog" 8"x8" oil on canvasboard 

$250 SOLD

           Here in Southeastern Massachusetts where I live, I'm surrounded by cranberry bogs. In fact, the Ocean Spray headquarters is located right here in my hometown of Middleborough. It's inevitable, if you're driving through the local back roads , and major routes as well, that you'd be bound to drive by numerous bogs like the one pictured above. They are a fixture of the local landscape. Although I'm surrounded by them, I've never actually done a painting of one. I chose to do a night scene to capture the sense of isolated serenity one can feel while passing by. In the fall, the bogs are flooded to harvest the berries.

                 For purchasing  info : Email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

                Please Help Share my blog on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons in the Upper Right Hand Column!

New Painting - "Fall Shadows"

                 

                                   "Fall Shadows" 8"x10" oil on canvasboard

                                                             $300 SOLD

            There's a great scenic road that runs through the farmlands of  Middleboro, MA. Route 105 goes north through the center of town and crosses Rt 44 to a long stretch that passes through picturesque farms and woodlands that makes it a great place to check out the fall scenery of Southern New England. I spotted this old farmhouse there, which was situated along the edge of the road and noticed immediately the brilliantly colored trees in the small front yard. The American flag flying by the front door made for perfect subject matter for a painting.

     For purchasing  info : Email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

                Please Help Share my blog on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons in the Upper Right Hand Column!

New Painting - Hello Again!

                        " Blue Collar Boats, East Boston "  24"x18" oil on canvas 

                                                              $900.00

              I realize I've been lagging on paintings and blog posts lately. I'll refrain from explanations since it's way too complicated to explain.  All I can do is promise to try harder to get back into the game. In the meantime, please bear with me. As I'm sure you can imagine, it's not exactly easy to live (much less paint) with a debilitating injury such as mine. I hope you enjoy the painting above. It depicts a scene from Boston Harbor, looking towards the shore of Eastie (East Boston). I was drawn to the working- class feel of the scene, the multi colored tenements lining the shore, and the eclectic assortment of work boats, the barge, the tugs, the dredge. All laid out against a spectacular blue sky on a mid-summer's day.  

   For purchasing info :  email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

       Please  Help Share My Blog on Facebook and Twitter by Clicking the Icons in the Upper Right- Hand Column ! 

                        " Fishing Off Falmouth 2 " 10"x10" oil on canvasboard $300 SOLD

            Ever since losing my arms I've longed to join my comrades in tackle on a fishing excursion. Though my injuries may prevent me from doing so in any effective way, I can still re-live the experience through painting scenes like the one above. I still enjoy taking my son fishing and watching him reel in a "Big One" from the murky depths. There's something very primordial in the struggle which ensues when one hooks a nice size fish. And the serene backdrop of an ending summer's day provides the perfect setting for the ancient contest.

        For purchasing info :  email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

       Please  Help Share My Blog on Facebook and Twitter by Clicking the Icons in the Upper Right- Hand Column ! 

New Painting

                             " Ready to Score" 8"x8" oil on canvasboard $250

                 Over the last year my wife and I have had the privilege of being soccer parents for the first time since our  kids were born. Now I'll admit, I've never really been a fan of the sport. I myself, am  more partial to football or hockey. But going to these Sunday afternoon games has become a welcomed ritual for us now. We love to watch our son play and cheer him on enthusiastically. Practicing with him has become a great way to bond, and I'm sad to see the spring season come to an end. So much so, that I decided to do a painting to commemorate our new found enjoyment.

              For purchasing  info : Email me at dannyowen03@yahoo.com  * All paintings are framed and Ready to Hang with 3" wide "plein air" style gold frames.

                Please Help Share my blog on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons in the Upper Right Hand Column!

Special Thanks to the Massachusetts DAV - 6/5/12

                                 
                             "Putting at Granite Links" 12"x24" oil on canvas
                                          Auctioned at event for $2750



                I am very honored and humbled to have been chosen by the Massachusetts Disabled American Veterans ( DAV ) as their Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2012. I have donated a painting to auction for their "Heroes Among Us" gala that will be held at Granite Links Golf  Club on June 15, 2012. When I was asked to donate a painting, I originally had absolutely no idea what to paint for the event. Then I remembered hearing about the spectacular views of the Boston skyline from Granite Links. My wife Jenn and I decided to take a ride on an amazingly beautiful spring morning in early May. All I can say is that the rumors did not do the view justice. It was indeed , AMAZING! Originally, I was planning on just painting the skyline itself. But as we were heading back to the car after snapping some great pictures, we spotted this man practicing his putts on a little practice green. I asked Jenn to snap a few shots but she was way ahead of me. Upon returning home and reviewing the reference photos, I thought the ones with the golfer were the most interesting and challenging to paint. I was especially eager to capture the atmospheric perspective created by the haze on the skyline. I was also intrigued by the golfer's bright red cap which compliments the many hues of both cool and warm greens in the scene.

NOTE: If anyone is interested in bidding on the above painting please email me at  dannyowen03@yahoo.com   and I will put you in touch with the proper people.

Two New Paintings 4-1-12

"Wall of Forsythia" 6"x6" oil on canvasboard $200 SOLD

             Spring has arrived early here in Southeastern Massachusetts. The unseasonably warm weather we had in March has brought out all the early bloomers with a vengeance. Most noticeably, the Forsythia bushes. The last house on the end of my rural street has a thick wall of the brilliantly colored bushes, which I have driven by now on a number of occasions. Each time I've driven by during the mid-day sun I was immediately drawn to the striking contrasts of complimentary colors and play of light and shadow created in the scene. So before they lost their flowers , I decided to paint them.

                                                                              

"Island Bus Stop" 8"x8" oil on canvasboard NFS





              I painted the above piece as a replacement for a pastel painting I gave to my Mom about 6 years ago. At the time I did the original version, I thought it was good. But in recent years, I've gotten much better with my work and I've grown tired of looking at the sub-par version hanging on her wall. So in honor of her upcoming birthday, I decided to redo the painting (in oil) and I'm much more happy with the new results. I hope she will be as well.

           I love the sense of intimacy in this painting. It was painted from a photograph that was taken by my wife and I while visiting the island of Martha's Vineyard in the Oak Bluffs section. The painting depicts two women waiting for the bus while on a weekend visit to the island.



                                                                                                         

New Painting 2/13/12

                       "Full Moon Return" 24"x36" oil on canvas  Not Yet For Sale

            Every year the VA holds a national art competition for veterans called the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. I've entered the competition a couple times now, winning  third place in my category ( veterans with physical disabilities) in 2009.

            This year I hope to enter the painting above. It depicts a small sport fishing vessel returning home from a long day's adventure. My wife and I took the picture I used for a reference photo from the same spot at Green Harbor (on the South Shore of Massachusetts) that I painted "Green Harbor Moon" (see post from 1/30/2012). The painting is not yet for sale. It will have to go through the accepting process and hopefully through several rounds of judging before I can accurately price it.